Excellence Not Opulence

Written by Carl Greene

October 9, 2024

Twenty-one people participated in the SDB Vital Preaching Retreat hosted at the SDB Center in Janesville, WI from September 13 -15, 2024.[1] This dynamic group includes SDB young adults who are refining their gifts and skills as faith communicators. In just over a month, the SDB Center will be hosting the second annual Emerging Leaders gathering in which over 20 SDB young adults will descend upon Janesville for a weekend full of fellowship and equipping.

Peruse the following pictures so you can see the activity that is increasingly taking place at the SDB Center. We are intentionally leveraging the SDB Center as a training hub for Emerging Leaders, pastors, ministry leaders, and guests alongside hosting SDB meetings and providing work space for our Conference Team.

The increased use of the Center has challenged us to provide an excellent physical setting that reflects the value of our people. When we invite SDB disciple-makers to come to Janesville for equipping and collaborating, it is imperative that we show the respect of hosting them in a building that reflects a Conference that is alive and zealously pursuing its mission.

Restoring Excellence

We are not looking to create an opulent building that is luxuriously overbuilt. We will, however, restore excellence of the physical space to better serve the needs of 21st century training and equipping.

In the first phase of work, we plan to replace the flooring in the main areas of the building. This has not been done since the Conference purchased the building over 40 years ago. It is time.

During this phase we will also restore the upstairs board room where we conduct a number of trainings and hold meetings. The original carpeting on the walls installed in the 1970s is still in place. In the 1970s, not many people brought their laptops to meetings. We will be upgrading the room to accommodate the use of personal electronic devices, allow for media presentations, and to also intentionally provide digital meeting access for those who cannot attend onsite.

Excellence Has a Cost

Restoring excellence comes with a price tag. We are looking to raise $80,000 for this phase of work—and we have some key partners to help us reach that goal. Your participation matters! Here are some exciting opportunities:

Matching Funds: The SDB Memorial Fund will match, dollar for dollar, any contribution made for this work up to a total $25,000. Simply put, your gift will be doubled. You can participate on-line by clicking on this matching fund challenge link.

20 x $20 for $20,000: A generous donor has offered a lead gift of $20,000 towards this work when at least 20 people who contribute at least $20 each have participated in the campaign. Once again, your gift matters.

There is More to Come: Once we have met our matching goal and the 20 x $20 goal, we have more partners who are prepared to participate in this campaign. By working together to meet these initial goals, we will have further opportunities with generous partners. More details will follow!

Please consider participating in this initiative to encourage SDB excellence through restoring the SDB Center for leadership training. If you prefer to send a check, please send your check payable to “Seventh Day Baptist General Conference” with “Fall 2024/Center Restoration” in the memo line. The mailing address is PO Box 1678; Janesville, WI 53547.

[1] “Excellence not opulence” is an instructive phrase shared by Rev. Dr. John Stumbo, President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, during a tour of their headquarters.

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